Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS)

We are in the process of specing a new engine. We already decided on a class A & B foam and were wondering if the CAFS system is really worth the extra cost. Would like some feedback on the Pro's & Con's of this.

Use the Firehouse search feature. There are several excellent threads already in place on CAFS. Some other great sources can be found at usfa.fema.gov/techreps/tr074.htm, and usfa.fema.gov/techreps/tr083.htm. Expect this to add about $40,000 to cost of an engine. Good luck.

you might try Phlugerville Texas. They are just north of Austin and have a CAFS pumper. It is my understanding that they helped pass some legislation or something like that in Texas to get CAFS recognized on our ISO inspections. This could mean lower ISO ratings which means a savings to the citizens. I think Phlugerville's is a new Pierce Hurcules CAFS system.

The Texas Dept. of Insurance is considering a CAFS discount of 10% on fire insurance rates. It's not going to be part of the ISO grade for a community - sort of like the dry hydrant or automatic kitchen suppression credit, both offer 10% discounts.

Our department has put a new CAFS pumper into service last month. We chose the Luverne TSS with the Waterous Elipse CAFS package. Our chosing CAFS was due to increased effectiveness (3 to 5 times more effective than plain water) and reduced water damage to a structure. Since delivery, we have responded to 2 hazmat incidences and found that CAFS generated foam greatly reduces the amount of liquid product that is added to the spill therefore reducing the amount to be cleaned up.